Seonsan Gopchang and Sanchae Bibimbap: Local Culinary Delights

The Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Organization (President Kim Namil) has selected Gumi Geumosan, Geumosan Campground, and Hanti Martyrs' Shrine in Chilgok as the recommended destinations for November in its monthly series, "Traveling Gyeongbuk Through Photos."


Geumosan, known as the symbol of Gumi, transforms into a breathtaking landscape covered in crimson foliage every November. The maple-lined path at the entrance, where red leaves blend with yellow ginkgo leaves, gives visitors the sensation of walking right into autumn itself.

Gumi Geumosan Autumn Foliage

Gumi Geumosan Autumn Foliage

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The Geumosan Dulle-gil, where the mountain breeze scatters red leaves like a scene from a movie, features gentle slopes that even beginners can enjoy. Starting from the lakeside park, a leisurely walk along the forested path reveals scenic viewpoints and rest areas, perfect for pausing to take in the autumn scenery.


For those seeking even more spectacular views, the Geumosan cable car is highly recommended. The sweeping panorama of autumn foliage from the cable car, which runs nearly to the summit, is truly overwhelming. The cityscape of Gumi and the Nakdong River, all bathed in autumn colors, are sure to inspire awe. Especially at sunset, the combination of red skies and vibrant leaves creates a golden mountain range, making for a stunning twilight scene. Whether with family, a partner, or friends, this is an ideal destination, and it is highly recommended to capture memorable photos near the famous Geumosan Waterfall, a prime photo spot.


As you walk along the autumn paths of Geumosan, you will come across a natural retreat: the Geumosan Provincial Park Campground. Nestled in the dense forest of Geumosan, this campsite is beloved as the perfect place to spend a night surrounded by the crimson autumn woods.


With its proximity to both the Geumosan Dulle-gil and the cable car station, the campground offers excellent accessibility and the opportunity to enjoy camping in nature at minimal cost. Well-maintained facilities, including tent sites, cooking areas, showers, restrooms, and parking, make it convenient even for first-time campers. At night, you can light a campfire and share stories with family and friends, soaking in the tranquility of the mountains and the spirit of autumn. However, as autumn is an especially dry season, visitors must take extra care with fire to prevent forest fires. Since even a small act of carelessness could harm the beautiful forest, all visitors should be mindful of fire safety.


For those who wish to immerse themselves in the peak of autumn, an emotional camping experience amid the crimson foliage of Geumosan is the perfect choice.


Hanti Martyrs' Shrine in Chilgok has recently gained attention as a must-visit autumn destination, where silver grass fields create a spectacular scene. This shrine, once a refuge for believers fleeing persecution during the Joseon Dynasty, has been reborn as a sacred place where vast silver grass fields, forest trails, and holy pilgrimage routes harmonize.


In autumn, the silver grass blooming along the ridges glistens in the sunlight, creating a stunning silver landscape. The "Way of the Cross" section of the pilgrimage route over Hantigogae is especially famous for its beautiful silver grass fields and gentle slopes. When the autumn wind blows, the grass sways like waves, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Along the walking path, various monuments such as the "Virgin Mary Hill" and the "Martyrs' Tower" provide tranquil spots for reflection. The sunset illuminating the silver grass fields is a sight not to be missed.

Silver Grass at Hanti Martyrs' Shrine in Chilgok

Silver Grass at Hanti Martyrs' Shrine in Chilgok

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While visual delights are important, culinary pleasures are not to be overlooked. Gumi’s signature dish is Seonsan Gopchang (grilled beef intestines). Seonsan-eup in Gumi is renowned as the birthplace of gopchang cuisine, known for its rich smoky flavor and chewy texture. Not only is grilled gopchang popular, but gopchang hot pot is also a local favorite, featuring a hearty broth with generous portions of gopchang, vegetables, and glass noodles-an ideal meal after an autumn hike on Geumosan. Near Gasansanseong Fortress in Chilgok, dishes such as sanchae bibimbap (mixed rice with wild greens) and acorn jelly set meals, made with freshly foraged mountain vegetables, attract many visitors. In autumn, seasonal specialties like pine mushroom hot pot and perilla seed hand-torn noodle soup are also highly sought after.



President Kim Namil stated, "The autumn foliage of Geumosan in Gumi and the silver grass of Chilgok in November are the greatest gifts for experiencing the true essence of autumn," adding, "I hope everyone will take the opportunity to escape the city and fully appreciate the natural beauty that autumn has to offer."


This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.

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